According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) an older adult receives emergency treatment due to a fall every 18 seconds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that medical costs associated with falls, adjusted for inflation, was $30 billion in 2010. The fall-out from falls can range from hip fractures and head traumas to early death. Similarly, the Florida Department of Health has reported that falling is the leading cause of injury-related death in 2011 among Florida residents older than 65.

In 2011, the Maitland Fire-Rescue Department established a Falls Prevention program focusing on senior-citizen safety after a call analysis. A finding revealed that Fire-Rescue was responding to a large percentage of calls for injuries from falls. The falls prevention program is aimed at reducing the risk of falls to senior citizens. On request, specially trained firefighters conduct informal inspections of senior citizen’s homes and identify potential issues that could possibly contribute to a fall or accident. After the initial assessment, firefighters provide customized recommendations to improve safety and health of senior citizens, such as home modifications and suggested exercise programs. This process helps empower senior citizens to make the right decisions for their home and gain more independence. To schedule an assessment, please contact Chase Rozell at (407) 539-6227.

On Sept. 23, the Maitland Fire Rescue Department will host a fall prevention seminar for seniors at the Maitland Senior Center at 345 S. Maitland Avenue at 1:00 p.m. Seniors will learn strategies to prevent life threatening falls. A light snack will be provided.

Free CPR Class Offered in October

The Maitland Fire Rescue Department will offer a free class on Adult, Child and Infant CPR, AED Training and Choking Emergencies. The class will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22nd, from 5 to 9 p.m., at Maitland City Hall, 1776 Independence Lane. To register, call (407) 539-6226 or e-mail MaitlandFD@gmail.com. Class size is limited. Children 12 and older only, please. The next class will be offered in the spring of 2015.